What do you think of a 356 as an everyday car?

[Rustbucket]

personally, I cant see the point of having a nice car and not driving it !
It would be like owning a nice painting but hanging it facing the wall in case the sun fades it.

I recon on a months running in to solve any little niggles from the rebuild etc.
Once that is over, it should be great fun. Why worry about what might happen?

[Mike Smith]

Do NOT cut corners - Get it running the way Dr. Porsche Intended and you will get Yeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaars of fun

I have just had the guys go through mine and lick it back into shape - the last time I touched it, to any great degree, was when I restored it in 1986 - some 22 years ago (admittedly we did find things that I should have attended to a little earlier)

Servicing does come round a bit quick on a daily driver though - (Greasing and Oil Changes)

[Winston Teague]

Hi , since this post started i've been thinking and watching the miles. In that time I've done 1288 miles including much motorway. Servicing does take time tho not that much once you're used to it and have a system, it helps to have a friend with a 4 post lift thats free at lunchtimes. Every day use highlights the things that niggle a little, you need a quiet exhaust, cabin noise becomes an issue on a long run, especially if you want to talk to others in the car. I have a friend with a 356 who uses it less because the go faster 4 pipe 'silencer' makes their ears bleed. Radio: I have spent more hours tinkering with the period radio than i have greasing the car! better speakers, ipod stuff and supression (still not there). Electrics: 12v is essential if you want good lights, the H4 halogen conversions work really well, i've also brightened the tail lights by keeping them shiny inside and fitting 10w bulbs. The 12v dynamo seems to cope admirably. Firestone f560s last well and are not dear or difficult to find and the drum brakes are fine. I will soon fit a decent screen washer system as what i have leaks and holds hardly any water None of this will work if you are precious about the car. I avoid using it on salty roads and try to wash it regularly but it lives outside and my winter back up car is a horrible mondeo so there is no incentive to use this. I love every journey in the 356 and 30mpg is achievable and it is cheap to run and insure. Do it Do it Do it. Winston